Food Industry News, Insights, and Education for the CPG Community

In this week’s notable new products roundup, Cedar’s unveils a sweet new limited-edition flavor, Snak Club heats up its product portfolio in partnership with Tajin, and Alouette joins forces with Gopuff to deliver Emergen-Cheese kits to consumers’ doors.

The Kroger Company and Albertsons Companies this week terminated the proposed $24.6 billion merger agreement that was initially announced more than two years ago, after a federal judge sided with the Federal Trade Commission suing to block the deal and Washington and Oregon state courts put permanent injunctions in place to halt the transaction.

History has repeated itself as Hershey’s controlling owner yesterday rejected a preliminary takeover offer from candy and snacking rival Mondelēz International, according to a Bloomberg News report citing people familiar with the matter.The Hershey Trust – which holds approximately 80% of the voting power at the company – labeled the offer as too low.

TikTok Shop is outpacing category leaders, consumers still think they need more protein all the while Americans believe food prices are rising and the country is in a recession, according to The New Consumer and Coefficient Capital’s fifth annual Consumer Trends report.

On this episode of CPG Week podcast, the team talks about the Pitch Slam, the speakers, the good vibes, new tattoos and expensive smoothies.

UNFI reported a net loss of $21 million despite increasing sales 4.2% year-over-year in its first-quarter earnings to $7.9 billion with adjusted EBITDA increasing 14.5% to $134 million.

The proposed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons megamerger was temporarily blocked today by a federal judge, who ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suing to block the deal.

KeHE has introduced a new opt-in fee structuring program that allows emerging brands to trade associated, first-year onboarding fees for a consistent 2% flat rate, a move intended to make the distribution powerhouse “easier and more cost effective” to work with.

Mondelēz International is exploring a possible acquisition of candy and snack rival Hershey, according to a Bloomberg News report citing private sources familiar with the matter. The combination would bring together such brands as Oreo, Ritz, Reese’s and SkinnyPop and generate annual sales of almost $50 billion.

At Nosh Live Winter 2024 Day Two, attendees heard how maintaining focus, driving discovery and using viral moments can help lead a brand to lasting success.

Mochi Love was named the winner of Pitch Slam 15, Nosh’s annual pitch competition for emerging food brands sponsored by Vdriven. Launched in 2024 by Brandie and Will Miller, the California-based brand produces a line of “crème clouds,” refrigerated mochi bites featuring a French crème center.

Nosh Live Winter 2024 kicked off on Thursday in Marina Del Rey, Calif., with panels, presentations and conversations that pieced together fundamental components of successful CPG businesses and offered brands advice on how to navigate current economic headwinds, shifting consumer habits and prepare for an uncertain landscape in the years to come.

The CPG Week team teases next week’s BevNET Live Winter event in Marina Del Rey, California.

The EVERY Company has combatted a tough investment terrain to become the latest food tech outfit to lock in funds, totaling $2 million, from the U.S. Department of Defense, according to an announcement this week.